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E-Spirit Weekly
Newsletter
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News, Stories, and More
from the Florida-Bahamas Synod of the ELCA
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As Elsa comes our way, please let your Conference Dean know about any damage that happens in your community. Please pray for all who are dealing with this storm and all natural disasters. | |
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The Florida-Bahamas Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in American will meet September 17-19, 2021 at the Embassy Suites in Kissimmee, FL.
The theme for assembly is "United Spirit, Diverse Body."
The Synod Assembly welcomes Dr. Luis R. Torres as the keynote speaker.
Click here for more information on Dr. Torres.
The Synod Assembly will be in person with guidelines to keep us safe, but also unrestricted in our meeting and conducting of business.
Online registration is now open!
The deadline for registration is Friday, August 27, 2021.
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Thank you to all who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 for helping to make Synod Assembly as safe as possible. | |
Congregations Lead Initiative | |
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"Thriving congregations, Thriving church"
The ELCA has created a new two-year program that will gather a cohort of 50 congregations from around the ELCE to unleash and harness their collective genius and discover new and useful ministry innovations.
Congregations Lead Initiative is looking for congregations that seek to broaden and create and new, young, and diverse group of people that know Christ.
Applications open July 8. The deadline for applications is August 15.
For more information and the link to apply, click here.
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Events, Webinars, and Workshops | |
Faith Formation in a Post-Pandemic World | |
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Thursday, July 22 to Thursday, August 12, 2021
A Webinar Program for Designing Faith for 2021 and Beyond.
Hosted by Lifelong Faith and supported by a partnership of the ELCA Synods of Region 9.
The pandemic disrupted all of life, including the ways that we have done faith formation.
Now as we emerge into the post-pandemic world, we can begin planning for the future of faith formation in Christian churches. This webinar program and accompanying resources from Lifelong Faith Associates seeks to answer the question:
What will faith formation look like as we emerge from the pandemic in Fall 2021 and beyond?
WEBINAR SCHEDULE - All Thursdays from 2:00 - 3:30 pm EST
- July 22 - Designing Children and Family Faith Formation for the Post-Pandemic World
- July 29 - Building Community and Relationships in Post-Pandemic World
- August 5 - Designing Hybrid Faith Formation for the Post-Pandemic World
- August 12 - Planning for 2022 and Beyond: A Faith Formation Planning Clinic
A PDF of webinar descriptions will be available for download during registration.
COST:
- Members of ELCA Region 9 = $40
- Those Outside of ELCA Region 9 = $80
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
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Transition Ministry Training Online Webinar | |
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July 26-30, 2021
Transitions - There are many factors that come into play when a congregation is in transition. Whether that congregation has just received an interim pastor, or has just received a newly called pastor, or is seeking new direction into God's future, it is a time of transition from something that was, to something that is yet to be.
The Transition Training Event will help attendees to focus on what it is that properly motivates ministry so that the "yet to be" is fully in the hands of God, and God's people are themselves renewed and ready for that ministry.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Interim Pastors, First Call and New Call Pastors, Pastors in congregations needing new direction.
COST:
Interim Pastors 5 days - $160
First Call and/or New Call Pastors & Others (M-W) - $130
The Continuing Education Credit for the Rostered Leaders Annual Report to the Bishop is 9 hours for 3-day attendees, or 15 hours for 5-day attendees.
Click here to register.
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Employment and Volunteer Opportunities | |
diakonia Executive Director - Volunteer | |
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Diakonia is a two-year cycle of theological studies for those who want to go deeper - to learn more about their faith, their God, their Lord and Savior.
The role of the diakonia Executive Director:
- Rostered ELCA Lutheran pastor
- Provides theological & practical leadership
- Liaison with Synod
- Represents the diakonia Program to the wider church
- Encouraged to be a member of the National Board
The diakonia Executive Director is appointed by the Bishop of the Synod and relates to the National diakonia organization. We are seeking an ordained pastor who feels called to represent and gently guide this program with enthusiasm, commitment and passion.
Click here to learn more about the Florida-Bahamas diakonia program
Click here to learn more about the national structure of diakonia.
If you sense that God may be calling you to serve our Synod and God’s people as the diakonia Executive Director, please contact Deacon Connie Schmucker at connies@fbsynod.org.
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Office Manager - Rock of Ages Lutheran Church
Rock of Ages Lutheran church in Wildwood, Florida is looking for a new Office Manager.
The office manager position provides comprehensive administration support to the Pastor, Church Council, and Ministry Team Chairpersons as they serve the mission of the congregation to share God's love through Christ with all people.
Requirements for the position:
- Knowledge and use of Microsoft Office 365
- Previous Experience in a small office
- Knowledge and use of QuickBook, Constant Contact, Servant Keeper, and Wordpress
- Ability to work with Minimal Supervision at times
- Verbal and Written communication skills
- Creative problem solving abilities
For the full job description, click here.
If interested, email Pastor Don Erickson at revdon47@att.net
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Parish Musician/Organist/Director - Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Leesburg, Florida is seeking a part time musician. They are looking for someone to play the organ and piano, to direct the choir, and other musical offerings.
The position will play at the 9:30am service, lead one choir rehearsal a week (during the program year), and play at Holy Day services.
For more information, and if interested in the position, contact Pastor Ed Barnett at egbarnett@hotmail.com
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Youth Minister - Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church | |
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Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lehigh Acres, FL is seeking a part-time Youth Minister.
The candidate must be a committed follower of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The youth minister will plan, develop and coordinate a youth ministry program for Middle & High School aged youth.
The candidate must have vision, be age 21 or older, have a High School diploma, able to use social media platforms, and pass a background check.
Must be willing to work 2 hours on Sundays and 2 hours one weekday evening.
Email resume to: admin.office@faithlutheranla.org or fax 239-369-3411.
Contact Nicole Ruiz, Office Administrator at 239-369-6177 for more information.
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Care-Filled Worship in a Lingering Pandemic | |
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Since the early days of the pandemic, the ELCA has been a partner in the Ecumenical Consultation on Protocols for Worship, Fellowship, and Sacraments. The collaboration has published general and seasonal guidance for safe worship practice during the pandemic.
The Consultation has met again to approve an update to the guidance originally published in the summer of 2020. The new update "Care-Filled Worship and Sacramental Life in a Lingering Pandemic" includes the latest combination of CDC and consultation guidance.
"Care-Filled Worship and Sacramental Life in a Lingering Pandemic" can be found here.
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